Forget 19 Kids and Counting. UP’s own super-sized family reality series, Bringing Up Bates, is coming back for a third season in January, the network has announced.
The series, which follows the lives of the large Bates family, will debut its third season January 7th, at 9 p.m.
The new season will feature 13 episodes, and UP will air a special Bringing Up Bates marathon on New Year’s Eve.
Here’s a promo for the new season and the official announcement:
ATLANTA – December 16, 2015 – UP‘s hit original reality series “Bringing Up Bates,” returns for an all-new, never a dull moment season with more big family events from America’s most loving and charming super-sized family, led by devoted father Gil and his loving wife Kelly Jo. The new season kicks off with the lead up to the big event — oldest daughter Michaella’s wedding. The season promises lots of family antics, funny and sweet moments, more romance and can’t-miss surprises. “Bringing Up Bates” returns for its third season with 13 all-new episodes exclusively on UP, starting Thursday, January 7 at 9 p.m. EST. To celebrate the new season UP will debut a one- hour special, “Best Bates Moments,” at 8 p.m. followed by a “Bringing Up Bates” marathon from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31.
“With 19 kids, three grandchildren, a multitude of incredible personalities and never ending love, there’s a lot going on in this fun and loving family,” said Amy Winter, general manager and evp, UP. “We have a season full of heartwarming and relatable moments from a household where each and every individual is special and celebrated. ‘Bringing Up Bates’ offers a unique blend of heart and humor. It’s no wonder viewers have fallen in love with the Bates family.”
The new season picks up with a bevy of excitement and a bit of a scare as the entire family prepares for Michaella and Brandon’s charming rustic wedding in Knoxville, Tennessee. From choosing her dream wedding gown, to getting in shape to look their best on the big day, to attempted pranks and a bachelor outing that goes awry, the family joins together to make the special day eventful and memorable. When the big day finally arrives, viewers will get a front-row seat at the huge but warm wedding with over 800 guests, including some very special friends that share in the beautiful ceremony. With laughter and tears, it’s a bittersweet moment for the entire family knowing that they must say goodbye to Michaella as she leaves the family nest and moves to her new home in Chicago.
There’s much more in store. With such a big family filled with talented, precocious and uniquely different children and married couples — all sharing a close, loving bond – there’s bound to be more big excitement. Accomplished pianist Erin prepares for a trip to Nashville to promote her music career and country gospel music singer Lawson continues to pursue his dream with a big performance. Eldest son Zach takes the next step in his law enforcement career as he completes a rigorous training program and graduates from the Police Academy. Also, he and his wife Whitney plan for the first birthday of their son Bradley, the Bates’ first grandchild. There’s also vacation time and the family packs up for a fun-filled, family trip to sunny Florida. As always, there is organized chaos as mother Kelly Jo navigates all of the home schooling and various chores for the family, while dealing with individual opinions and bigger-than-life personalities of the ever-expanding group. Doting father Gil prepares both his heart and his wallet for all of the new challenges and changes.
Descriptions for the first four episodes of the season are as follows:
Thursday, January 7, 2016 Bringing Up Bates #301 “Welcome Back Bates” (1 hour) The past year has been one of enormous change and growth for the Bates. In the Season 3 premiere, the Bates clan rallies together to help Michaella finally find the wedding dress of her dreams. Later, the family braves a stormy outdoor wedding for Kelly Jo’s sister, and celebrates Gil’s dad, Papa Bill, with an awesome 4th of July birthday party!
Thursday, January 14, 2016 Bringing Up Bates #302 “Sweet Tea & Sit Ups” With Michaella’s wedding quickly approaching, Kelly Jo and Gil wager to see who can get in shape to look their best for the big day. While Kelly Jo enlists Tori to motivate her and help with workouts, Gil finds his coach, Lawson, uses a more hands off approach to whip him into shape.
Thursday, January 21, 2016 Bringing Up Bates #303 “15 Kids and an Empty Nest” With the big wedding just days away the family is busier than ever. Erin hosts a laughter filled candle making party for Michaella and her bridesmaids, while Nathan, Lawson, and Trace take Brandon on an outing to the skating rink, but an accident on the ice could put the wedding in jeopardy.
Thursday, January 28, 2016 Bringing Up Bates #304 “A Big Bates Wedding” (1 Hour) The day that Michaella has been waiting for is here! After months of planning it’s a bittersweet moment for the Bates family, who realize she’ll soon be leaving home. There’s a lot to do before 800 guests arrive to celebrate and see Michaella and Brandon say, “I do” and finally share their first kiss. UP presents “Bringing Up Bates,” an UP Entertainment production in association with Figure 8 Films. Executive Producers are Bill Hayes, Kirk Streb and Deanie Wilcher. Executive Producer and Director is Matthew Hightower. Senior Production Manager is Kami Winningham. Series Producer is Mary Wilcher. Post Producer is Tori Holder.”
What do you think? Do you watch Bringing Up Bates? Will you tune in for the new season?
